Ethical, Religious And Legal Objections To Assisted Euthanasia Essay Example

In regards to the controversial ethical issues surrounding the practice of medically assisted euthanasia, religious ideology and perceptions of ethical responsibility play a dominant role in shaping how medical caregivers and citizens alike perceive euthanasia. Some nurses, caregivers, particularly those who adhere to particular religious belief systems such as Christianity and Catholicism, tend to adamantly oppose idea of assisted euthanasia because it violates their religious doctrines. Religiously affiliated caregivers like Sister Teresa fundamentally oppose assisted euthanasia because it is viewed by Christianity as a “sin”, which Teresa equates to murder. The overarching influence of religious belief systems, in in this case regarding Christianity, on the professional conduct of medical caregivers is even observed among seasoned veterans, such as W.L, who has been a Registered Nurse for 28 years yet still bases her ethical decision making on religious principles. Other caregivers like S.I base their opposition to euthanasia partially on religious beliefs and partially on the ethical and legal constraints of modern medical care in the U.S, such as the Nurses’ Code of Ethics. The religious roots of opposition to euthanasia also extend beyond the sphere of medical caregivers to flavor the way ordinary citizens ethically perceive euthanasia, such as in the case of S.R, who is a stay at home mom opposed to medical officials “playing god.”

Works Cited

American Nurses Association: Code of Ethics for Nurses. (n.d.). Retrieved February 28, 2015, from http://nursingworld. org/MainMenuCategories/EthicsStandards/CodeofEthicsforNurses
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Bonnell, J.S. (1951). Sanctity of human life. Theology Today, 8(2), 194-201
The Christian Institute. (2015, January 1). Retrieved March 5, 2015, from http://www.christian.org.uk/resources/theology/apologetics/the-sanctity-of- life/euthanasia/